Former Met police officers arrested in ‘bribery scam’ probe

Four former Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated over claims information about Nigerian fraudster James Ibori was sold for cash.

Scotland Yard is probing a suspected bribery scam, after a lawyer used Parilamentary privilege to tell a Select Committee of possible cash payments made by investigation firm Risc to sources of theirs who were “presumably police officers or those close to the investigation”.

A 45-year-old detective constable was questioned yesterday on suspicion of providing information about convicted Nigerian fraudster Ibori in return for cash.

Two private investigators, aged 53 and 58, and another man were held in connection with providing the money after raids at the London offices of Risc Management Ltd, it is understood.

Scotland Yard said the fourth man was arrested at a south London police station by appointment.

“He was arrested on suspicion of bribery of a police officer,” a spokesman said.

“Officers have previously attended a residential address outside of London and a 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of receiving payments for information. He is a serving detective constable in the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service).”

Former London-based hardware cashier Ibori rose to become a top politician in Nigeria, before being jailed for 13 years last month after admitting fraud totalling nearly £50 million.